Verizon Wireless came to its senses last year, AT&T did so just last month, and now T-Mobile and Sprint have grown a little nicer, as well. Both carriers announced this week that they would begin prorating their early-termination fees (ETF) in the first half of next year. You'll still have a to pay a fee for ending your contract early, but the amount will decrease the closer you get to your contract end date. Specific details of the new policies weren't released--those will come next year, as well--but the dual announcements mean that all four major U.S. carriers will prorate the hated ETFs. What's more, Sprint will allow allow you to change your plan without renewing your contract, which is something Verizon did last month. Yes, lawsuits may have pushed them over the edge, but it's about time.

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Senior Managing Editor Kent German leads the CNET Reviews editors in San Francisco. A veteran of CNET since 2003, he still writes about the wireless industry and occasionally his passion for commercial aviation.
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